Anderson Silva’s Surgery A Success; Expected To Be Out Three To Six Months

When it was announced that Anderson Silva was rushed to the hospital for immediate surgery after he broke his leg fighting Chris Weidman at last night’s UFC 168, the general consensus that “The Spider’s” career had come to an unfortunate close.

While nothing official has been announced on that front, Silva’s surgery to repair his tibia and fibula was apparently a rousing success. He also might not be on the shelf as long as the injury would have suggested. UFC owners Zuffa LLC released an official statement today to detail the condition of their embattled former champion:

“”Following Saturday evening’s UFC 168 main event, former champion Anderson Silva was taken to a local Las Vegas hospital where he underwent surgery to repair a broken left leg. The successful surgery, performed by Dr. Steven Sanders, the UFC’s orthopedic surgeon, inserted an intramedullary rod into Anderson’s left tibia. The broken fibula was stabilized and does not require a separate surgery. Anderson will remain in the hospital for a short while, but no additional surgery is scheduled at this time. Recovery time for such injuries may vary between three and six months.”

“Anderson is deeply touched by the outpouring of support from his fans and the entire MMA community. There has been no immediate decision about his future, and he would kindly ask for privacy at this time as he deals with his injury and prepares to return home to recover.”

Three to six months on the sidelines sounds like a quick turnaround for an injury so gruesome, but he had a great medical headed by Dr. Sanders. Getting a rod inserted in his leg will undoubtedly affect his loose and fluid fighting style, however, and it remains to be seen if Silva even wants to come back.

The anticlimactic loss to Weidman still leaves a ton of doubt hanging in the air as to whether or not Weidman actually beat the best Silva. Either way, “The All-American” is the rightful titleholder and will now move on to face a tough list of challengers while Silva heals.

Silva fans holding out a glimmer of hope got some very encouraging news today. But at almost 39-years-old, should “The Spider” push the envelope after two consecutive losses? Does he really have anything left to prove?

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea for USA TODAY Sports